Today, Friday, September 22, marks the official end of summer and leaves us approximately 77% of the way through 2017. Since we haven't posted since February (hey, life happens!) it is fair to say that a lot of really good music has been released in the last 9 months that desperately needs our attention.
With this, I'm not going to try to catch you up on everything or point out the obvious stuff (that's what our year-end lists are for and you've probably already found Kendrick, Future Islands, P.TM Ryan Adams, Spoon, FJM... etc.), but here are a few tracks and albums that may have slipped past you that, in my opinion, are worth your attention:
So far, it has been a pretty solid year overall for albums and singles. I've been collecting my favorites here for you Spotify users, so you can catch up on a much deeper level if you like. For those of you with a quick attention span (our target audience), below are a few of my favorites as we pass the mid-point in 2015. Enjoy!
Life in Film - Here it Comes (2015)
I love this album -- It reminds me of the summer I spent working in bars in Santa Barbara immediately after finishing college attempting to force summer-jammy jam Brit Pop & Rock down every one's throats. The whole album just works and this track in particular makes you want to fiesta.
Bozgo - "This Kind of Love"
Gabe Lackner brings his unique touch to a collection of electro-lounge tracks that make you want to dance, chill, and workout... all at the same time. This track in particular captures the mystery and energy of a warm summer night where everything is possible and nothing is prohibited.
Summer Euro Jams
I spent two weeks touring the Europe earlier this summer and the common musical theme throughout was fun, upbeat, Euro electronic tracks. A solid pairing for days at the beach or nights at a loungy club. This isn't my favorite of those tracks, but it captures the mood and style pretty well.
Bop English - Constant Bop (2015)
I don't remember how or when I first started listening to this album, but 5 or 6 tracks off of the Constant Bop release are awesome and super catchy by any standard, including the one below...
Divers & Nude Beach @ The Know
After missing Nude Beach a couple times, I finally caught the New York power popping crate diggers at the Know delivering a fantastically gritty set. Then the Divers won me over forever their passionate heartland punk. Haven’t stopped blasting their Hello Hello since.
Heat
Heat are crushing on Lou Reed just as hard as the Strokes did, and sharp enough to pull it off in style. Love the way they casually drop killer lines.
Máscaras
Not sure what it is exactly about their psychedelic surf, but each show slays and feels so of the moment and special. Whatever the combination of chops, chemistry, banter, or impending hiatus, they’re Portland’s must see band of summer 2015.
Big Quiet
Packed with summer jammy jams. It’s a near perfect indie pop album, recalling Sarah and K Records favorites.
Tamed West
So excited about this EP. Love their reverb laden indie rock. Favorite PDX EP this year. Can't wait to see hear more.
Here's Side A of the Last Days of Summer mixtape I would have made for you...
Vienna Ditto Another knockout single. Think Rawhide soundtrack meets slinky sexy electronica at the beach.
Modern Kin The Banana Stand and Modern Kin really nailed this one, capturing an exciting and raw performance. A perfect compliment to their killer debut album.
Bike Thief
Talkative Playful, fuzzy, sprawling, and spazzy in all the right ways.
King Friday Appear to effortlessly pump out wonderful, short, airy pop songs. I love both albums they've released this year and can't wait for the next one.
The Record Company A tasty slab of gritty slow cooked soul for your summer BBQ.
Fast and cheap, Bandcamp’s the easiest way to keep track of
Portand’s up and coming bands, plus the new fan pages recreate the CD shelf for
the digital age so your friends can casually scan your collection and silently
judge you. Brilliant. Of course, it's carefully curated order is just as insignificant to everyone else.
Moon King - Obsession II
Not saying EPs are better, but a great album leaves me in
awe and satisfied, while a great EP has me desperately clamoring for more. Moon King seem to understand this.
Magic Mouth - Believer EP
Took me over a year to hear this, but it’s been on regular
rotation since. It's all over the place, mixing soul, funk, classic and indie rock into fun danceable stew. Can't wait to hear the next one.
Thao & the Get Down Stay Down - “We The Common (For
Valerie Bolden)”
Love the album, but this song got especially stuck in my brain.The
story behind the song only makes it better.
Black Joe Lewis - “Skulldiggin”
Dipping his garage
soul in psychedelic sludge, Black Joe Lewis has never sounded as blown-out and
fucked up.
I have played this album -- without introducing it -- to
both beer drinking river rafters and rosé drinking lawyers and the reception is
the same: “This shit is good. Who is this?” Fire up your boombox, summer jammy
jams are here. Time to branch out from Vampire Weekend.
Portugal. The Man - Evil Friends
No surprise here. However, the release of this album
coincided with an excellent live show and just recently a performance I viewed
via UStream of P.TM playing with ''Weird Al'' Yankovic. I gotta say, the mythos
of this band just keeps getting more enhanced.
The Weeks - Dear Bo Jackson
An awesome title for an album filled with awesome tunes. The
album title reminds me of how great ESPN’s "You Don't Know Bo" 30 for
30 was/is, but the tunes remind me how great early Kings of Leon was --
southern rock clashing with garage rock. A beautiful combination.
The National - Trouble Will Find Me
Shit... I couldn't help myself. I was going to leave this
one off out of principal and then the fiancee said: "The National better
be on your list." Abide.
Long-haired Garage Rock
Seems like there has been an uptick in good songwriting from
the young, long-haired contingent. Mikal Cronin and Kurt Vile lead the pack in
my mind, with others trailing right behind. Maybe I'm listening to more garage
rock; maybe its just better this year... In somewhat related news, I can't wait
until the new We Are Augustines comes out.
Why it is awesome - I'm always a bit trepidacious when one
of my favorite acts puts out a new album, particularly when their fame is
exponentially increasing. The National hasn't let anyone down with their latest
release.
Bleeding Rainbow - Yeah Right
Why it is awesome - Nice big 90's college rock sound.
Caveman - "In the City"
Why it is awesome - Just when I thought I was over 80's
synth in new music, this track drops. Too catchy.
Toro Y Moi - "Harm in Change"
Why it is awesome - Really fun dancey track, kinda has a
Justin Timberlake thing going on.
Dungeonesse
Why it is awesome - Jenn Wasner from Wye Oak's 90's R &
B / Dance project. My officemate Dan and I have been in serious talks to
develop synchronized dances to some of these numbers.
Their last one is still in fairly heavy rotation, and I just
listened to the new one 5 times in a row. I love that the lead singer wore a
windbreaker (w/hood) for the whole concert, I love singing along to lyrics like
"I just wanna be evil" and I love the intro to "Modern
Jesus."
Vampire Weekend - Modern Vampires of the City
I used to think Vampire Weekend wasn't very good, but I was
wrong. It happens.
Mikal Cronin - Mcii
This is a fun, easy summer album. Although he lives in San
Francisco, so he probably doesn't really experience summer.
**Marina and the Diamonds - I Am Not a Robot
This feels like a guilty pleasure but it's not. Check out how charming she is at the end of the video.
**Devotchka - 100 Other Lovers
At the end of May, I had several surgeries and these songs were on constant rotation: "Sunshine," "The Common Good," "Exhaustible," (the whistling!) and "100 Other Lovers." Oh and their song "The Man from San Sebastian" grates me to no end.
**Tennis - "Marathon"
It's no shocker that I like this and it reaffirms my dream of being a back up singer. Please also see Nightrain's Breezy Summer Jammy Jams.
**Summer Camp - Around the Moon
I was obsessed with this passionate song/video for a long time. I am really rooting for their relationship to make it past the 10th grade... I've listened to Summer Camps' other stuff but it hasn't had the same effect on me.
**Seeing Julian Casablancas with his son at the market behind my apartment.
No big deal.
Light For Fire - Yes indeed, they have been mentioned already; however, this album is certainly good enough for more than one mention here. If I may make one suggestion: shoot a proper video.
The Shuffle (Dance) - Say what you want about LMFAO, but they know how to rock a vampire dance party with a very fun and ridiculously over-simplistic runningman-esque dance move that can turn even a trip to Ralph's into a fun outing. So easy it is brilliant. Every music group should incorporate an updated dance move into their persona.
Breezy Summer Jammy Jams - I feel like there has been a fantastic showing for the beachy / bbq tunes this year. The Vaccines, Tennis, Foster The People and Cults all released tracks that sound better with the warm sun on the back and a cold beer in hand. Granted, they all have their own sounds and styles, but I can't help but think of riding a cuiser to the beach when any one of those albums are on.
Dolorean's The Unfazed - Not to be confused with Delorean, the Portland-based band is a verifiable go-to for early mornings, quiet evenings and tender moments. The lyrics are perfect for a heartfelt singalong and the music pulls you in close with its soft sway.
The First Six Months of 2011 - In addition to the bands already mentioned, there have been many other artists that I have really been impressed with in the first six months. Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes and The Decemberists are all names many people already know and have shown us impressive stuff thus far; however, bands like U.S. Royalty, Magic & Fur, Scotch Howard, The Cave Singers and The Rural Alberta Advantage have surprised me with amazing albums as well that need to be heard.
I've been revisiting this album over and over since I first heard it in February, and everytime I find something new that resonates. It bears mentioning that I saw Kurt at a festival in Big Sur a few years ago and wasn't all that impressed. When you go in to an album with the attitude of an established non-fan, it takes twice the talent and good song writing to turn the listener. Good show, Kurt.
2. Henry Miller Memorial Library, Big Sur, CA
Attended maybe my 3rd show at this venue a few weeks ago, and I must say, it's becoming one of my favorite places ever. Great outdoor venue with very relaxed (read: non-existant) policeis towards bringing in your own food and drink. The sound is great, and as the sun sets among the redwoods, you begin to debate just sneaking off to the hills in the background and never coming back.
3. Walk The Moon - "Anna Sun"
Stumbled across this on a playlist my friend Jeremiah put together. Lots going on, many layers, all infectiously fun.
4. Lord Huron
This fella has released 2 EPs, recorded entirely by himself. In a much deliberated breakdown, Lord Huron is: 50% Animal Collective, 30% Fleet Foxes, and 20% Vampire Weekend. Pretty winning ratio!
5. The Generationals - Actor-Caster
This is, straight up, my summer band this year. Think a slightly more polished showing from The Drums.
Light for Fire
Even six months later, I still can't stop listening to their tales of love and drinking, and perhaps love of drinking.
Black Joe Lewis Mixtape
Oh shit. Just when you thought you couldn’t shake any lower, flip on “Mustang Ranch (featuring Project Pat and Juicy J)” and the party will really start getting sweaty.
U.S. Royalty @ Mississippi Studios
With giant bluesy riffs exploded over a pounding drums, it was a fantastic display of what rock 'n roll can be. A perfect example of how a great performance can improve upon and make you like an album even more.
The Complete Stax-Volt Soul Singles 1972-1975
I’ve owned volume 1 for probably 15 years, but just picked up volume 3 this spring. No idea why I waited so long. The 10 discs packed with soul and funk jams have sent me on a serious Southern soul bender. Recovery unlikely.
Rock n’ Roll Breakfast with Miles
Each morning Miles and I get up together at the crack of dawn. While I make coffee and he eats a Cheerios and a banana, we welcome the sun with a mix of garage thumpers and soul shakers. He starts bobbing and rocking as soon as the music starts and I crack up every time.
The Tallest Man On Earth - Love Is All
Sometimes a lot of websites, NPR and my friends suggest a band or musician that I might like and I seem to inexplicably take a stand and not listen to said band. I'm not sure I even mean to or not. Who knows if it's leo pride, laziness or me just plain being a dip shit (most likely it's a combo of all three).. Anyways after jumping on the late late freight I am enamored. Viva Sweden!
lyrics for break up letters "Here come the tears, but like always I let them go"
Surfer Blood - Slow Jabroni
Shitty band name, shittier album cover.. great songs..
lyrics for a long day "take it easy on me"
Samantha Crain - Santa Fe
Evil internet marketeers who stole my privacy suggested that I might like this lady and I totally do!
lyrics for a saturday morning "you know the way I get when I haven't had my coffee yet"
The Shout Out Louds - Show Me Something New
More swedes and more HD video! Before I broke my clavicle I experienced many sublime moments speeding through the redwoods on my bike while this song played.. I'll be back out there and I'm bringing this jam with me..
dreamy high school crush lyrics "you have an eye for fashion, darlin' / I'm sitting in my room and let the disc go by"
Vampire Weekend - Horchata
This is hands down the party jam of 2010 in our house. It evokes some type of spastic dancing out of each family member.. I also totally love horchata and always buy it at the burrito store that is right around the corner from my house.. not that burrito store but this newer all natural one that is also really good. I still love the other one too though! What I'm trying to say is that I bet if you graphed horchata sales before and after this song they would have definitely shot up (especially in the 3 block radius around my house)
the way I feel right before I drink more horchata "Here comes a feeling you thought you'd forgotten"
4. My witty, whiny, and heartfelt renditions of the opening songs of the television shows that we have seen this year: Mad Men, The Wire (Season 5), Firefly, and Rome. Sometimes it's just too easy to annoy my husband!
3. The National - "Conversation 16"
"This is a love song... about cannibalism... but mostly love" -Matt Berninger.
2. The Duckworth Lewis Method - An entire album about cricket performed Neil Hannon (Divine Comedy) and Thomas Walsh (Pugwash). Listen to this while playing cricket, having a dinner party, and washing the dishes. Also check out "Rain Stops Play."
1. Doctor Marnie's popcasts have so some much style that it hurts!
5) Lady Gaga's Ego Reaches Bieber-Fever Levels Hey folks, so what's the deal with Lady Gaga? Thanks to Nightrain's list, it's great to know I'm not the only person who feels she is dying a slow, miserable death every time I see her smug mug, well, everywhere. I hate her megalomaniacal fantasy, I hate the hype, I hate her songs with confusing lyrics (fine, you're saying goodbye to "Alejandro", but then who the hell is Roberto? Fernando?), and I hate how she never seems to wear pants (is this an F-you! to those pesky wang rumors?). On slaying her self-doubt: "When I wake up in the morning, I feel just like any other insecure 24-year-old girl. Then I say, 'B*tch, you're Lady Gaga, you get up and walk the walk today.' " Before I could even bring up my own Gag(a) reflex, Jerry Seinfeld beat me to it: "You take one 'A' off of that and you've got gag." Zing!
4) The Dresden Loungein Hollywood
When I was in Los Angeles, I wanted to check out the Silver Lake/Sunset Junction area, aka the supposed "Williamsburg of the West," to see if it was every bit as hip as I'd read. It was... not so much on that late Sunday night, but at least I was able to pop by The Dresden on the way home with the hopes of catching jazz sensations Marty & Elayne (of Swingers fame). My impromptu trip lead me there on their off-night, but awesomely washed-up resident country/classic rock cover trio The Drinks was there to purvey all of my favorite requests with very little wait time, such as "Night Moves," "Take It Easy" and "Sister Golden Hair." It was like a cover song jukebox and I was the only person who kept feeding it quarters. One of the sweet waitresses even had the brilliant idea of requesting Talking Heads' "Life During Wartime" and they just busted it out on the fly. I've found my new favorite hangout next time I'm in L.A. and I'm looking for more low-key fun with real, everyday people. This place is so money and it doesn't even know it. Or maybe it does?
3) Folk Me Up: Banjo and Whistling Edition
Again, Nightrain beat me to this mention of ubiquitous folk-rooted rock revival all over the airwaves these days, but two specific tracks have captivated my apparently banjo-lovin' heart in ways I couldn't begin to ignore... even when I tried.
Mumford and Sons - "Little Lion Man" Retrosexual to the max, these guys look like Leonardo DiCaprio's "working class" pals in Titanic who threw that killer dance party in the lower decks and pretty much drowned because the stupid rich people took over all of the lifeboats. "Little Lion Man" caught my ears' attention and has never let it go. I love the way they all chant along with increasing intensity as the song begins to climax, it's definitely my vote for epic breakdown of my half-year (starts at 2:35 mark).
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros - "Home" Hi. My band runs ten-deep and we travel around the country in vans like dirty hippie rockers. So irritating, so intoxicating, man I can't stand this song... so then why can't I shut it off? "Alabama, Arkansas, I do love my ma and pa, not the way that I do love you..." Sure, she may be singing about her brother at this rate but who knew the banjo could be so damn romantic and set the mood for this year's campfire sing-along love song? "Ahh home, let me go ho-oh-home, home is wherever I'm with you..." With the catchy whistling and a chorus as gosh-darn-cute as that, I'm willing to overlook the fact that ES&TMZ's are completely insane. By the way, what the heck are you guys on (particularly the female lead singer here)!? And don't say "life" because the Polyphonic Spree already used that excuse. Either way, feel free to send some this way whenever you're done singing "Kumbaya."
2) The Gaslight Anthem Why have I been so late on the ball getting into this band? The first song of theirs I ever heard was "Old White Lincoln," and I damn near got into a minor traffic accident because it was so good and I knew I needed to hear more. But it took the first few lines of "American Slang" to officially reel me in. "Look what you started, I seem to be coming out of my skin..." By far, my favorite intro of this half-year, but the real tingles happen when he sings "I've got your name tattooed inside of my arm" -- I know Brian Fallon isn't singing about me, but the personal, emotive nature of his delivery temporarily humors me. If you think I'm kidding about their effect, last month I "accidentally" fell asleep with "American Slang" on loop, only to wake up in the middle of the night from a dream where a Born In The U.S.A.-era Bruce Springsteen picked me up for a date (he beeped, I found him outside leaning against a red Chevy Camaro), we went to a drive-in movie theatre, came home, and then we made out in the backseat of his neighbor's car. And when it was over, I woke up alone in a state of delusional happiness. Do I really need to say more?
1) Spencer Krug and Dan Boeckner's Enigmatic Partnership
After recently seeing Wolf Parade for the 5th time, I can't help but wonder... is it the musical bromance of the century? Or do they secretly despise each other? Spencer Krug once mentioned in an interview how there's little room for egos in the studio since he and Dan Boeckner barely get to see each other and this is only proof that long distance musical relationships can make the hearts grow fonder... and the music only better. These guys manage to stay prolific in respectable side projects (specifically, Krug's Sunset Rubdown and Boeckner's Handsome Furs), yet each undeniable life force still has time for their bread-and-butter indie rock super-group Wolf Parade, both bringing something unique and different to the song-writing table. There's "Krugs' songs" and "Boeckner's songs" and some fans prefer one to the other, but I think it's a toss-up because the sum of this pairing's musical capabilities is greater than its individual parts. Yes, the theory of musical emergence in action. When it comes to their live shows, I love the equality as they insist on switching off vocals every other song to a T. And on songs where they share frontman duties (usually one sings, while the other ignites the song further by filling it out more), its a musical synergistic explosion on stage for all to see. The way they go back and forth on stage is like an insane ping-pong match where I'm left rooting for both members... I'm the ball, of course. Hit me! But since words can't do it justice, I urge all to witness their raucous musical romp in person and I promise you will be reeling for days.
Owen Pallett
The sole member of the former Final Fantasy is totally blowing my mind with his Andrew Bird-meets-Brian Eno-doing-a-film score-together sounds. Here's the best live music clip you'll see all year.
Sleigh Bells - "Rill Rill"
Pretty polarizing band, you love 'em or hate 'em. I can see both sides, but am firmly rooted in the "love 'em" camp. "Rill Rill" miht be my jam of the year. I usually try to work it so it's the last song I hear before I arrive at work at 7:00 each morning. Really compliments the last few sips of coffee.
Wye Oak
Solid song writing, Spot on execution. Last year's excellent premiere "The Knot" slipped by most of us, but the new EP "My Neighbor/My Creator" should garner some attention. Except for the last track, which is awful.
Cute Bands
Every couple of years, I get wooed back into the land of the cute bands....the Postal Service, Belle and Sebastian, the Moldy Peaches....they've all gotten me at some point. This year has thus far had a pretty solid batch, the likes of which include:
Freelance Whales
Stars
And, for old times sake, plus in anticipation of a new album this fall, Ra Ra Riot
The National
I dare say I'm not the only 30+ year old single man who can put back a bottle of wine and find comfort and solace in the National. Amazing new album. Like you haven't heard it.
5. San Jose Music In The Park Playlist - Don't mean to start off with a disappointment but I thought #5 should go to last place. San Jose's music in the park's playlist of artists sucked this year! Gaslight Anthem not withstanding. Too much reggae and radio promotion bullshit. Gimmie Black Joe Lewis and Leela James, Fuck!
4. Los Olvidados@ The Blank Club in San Jose - 80's punk rock at my favorite dive bar atmosphere, wow I needed that.
3. Hillstomp/Darker The Night - "Up Here" is amazing, awesome album. The banjo is making a comeback, always a good sign of things to come, in life, in general.
2. The Black Keys/Brother - Another rippin album from one of the best bands ever, need I say more?
1. Bo Diddley/The Chess 50th Anniversary Collection - Been kind of in a musical funk lately and rediscovered Bo, carried me through. Example: Blastin' "Ooh Baby" at a stoplight, not really payin' attention with the windows down. Turned to my right to see a convertible 66' Impala with two gangster black dudes totally rockin' out. When the song was over they said "Yo man, who is that?" So I popped out the cd and said "Mr. Bo Diddley young man." And tossed him my burned copy as the light turned green. Just the thought of them crusin' the streets listening to "Ooh Baby" makes me smile.
Hey folks, so what's the deal with Lady Gaga? Thanks to Nightrain's 